THE TP-IAT CHAMPION IS HOME!
At 4:20 EDT Sue walked into her home in Florida to “WELCOME HOME SUE” signs, balloons and of course, her dog Louie. 6 weeks after leaving the first part of this journey is finally done. It just does not seem like 6 weeks have drawn by but when you ad in the pre-op days and the travel. We are just about there. And its good to have her home.
The days started out early at 6:30. Rise and shine (in the dark) and get ready for the 1,400-mile trek. I could see Sue was feeling good but a little sad. We were busy making sure we had everything and the AIRBnB home was in good shape and locked up tight. That was good because it kept her mind off the disappointment of leaving. Sue did not really want to go and leave the top-notch team that made her pain free behind. At the airport by 8:20 car checked in and through security, Sue sat in a wheelchair waiting to board the plane. Sitting there for a half hour enjoying a good cup of Caribou coffee, a good treat and one that provides the nutritional information she needs to help control her insulin, It hit her that she was leaving the area that she had become so comfortable to stay because she was only a few minutes away from the best care she ever had. What a feeling to be able to have 100% faith and trust in a medical team and know that they really care about you and the talk to each other and know what they are doing. For at this time she really realized the time to do this was done. She began to cry. Some of it was sad leaving her new friends and support team, some of it was joy because she not only did what she set out to do, but it was so successful and done so well. And, also the most important thing she was so happy she was going hope PAIN-FREE! Looking around the airport and seeing so many people each on their mission going to or coming from somewhere each in their own world oblivious to the miracle that was sitting in their mists. I was really touched at that moment because in a blink of an eye six weeks went by and she’s coming home, healthy (well, excluding the diabetes) and happy.
This was a very big step for Sue. Traveling posts a big difficulty for her. This was truly hard because with this trip she was going out on her own sort to speak. It was also a challenge because up until now her days were very manageable as far as eating and taking care of herself. But with this trip, everything was going to be out wack and her schedule will be all over the place. Breakfast and lunch were nearly impossible and having to take blood sugar readings and do all this out in the open and in public was a big feat for her. First was the long-acting insulin and w reading to see how things went through the night. The BS reading was perfect and no extra insulin was needed. We boarded the plane and were off towards Atlanta. One thing about a plane you can’t look back…
We had a short layover in Atlanta, less than an hour. The airport was packed. In her wheelchair, it was not easy to wander off to get something to eat. There were long lines everywhere for food, so lunch ended up being peanut butter crackers. More readings and still in great shape. I have to hand it to Sue. For some reason she was not comfortable taking BS readings and giving shots in public were somewhat embarrassing for her, but she proved she was a champ and did what needed to be done whit hundreds of people around and overcame the self-awareness. This part of the trip was an hour long and it too went smoothly. She was good to remember not to cross her legs and stand up once or twice to make she there was no chance for a blood clot or any other issue due to the platelets. With the last known reading that was not much of a concern but she intended to make sure it would not become one.
The plane touched down in Orlando and this airport was packed and busy as well. Getting help with the wheelchair didn’t happen so I pushed her from the plane to baggage claim as we also had a carry-on and satchel for the computers. All in all not easy but we made it. Our daughter son-in-law and granddaughter picked us up and the whole day was made priceless when the car pulled up and Sue looked into the car where Addy our granddaughter was. The look on her face of the excitement of seeing her grandmom after so many weeks again brought tears of joy to sue and excitement for her as well.
The rest of the afternoon and evening were unbelievable. It was hard not to pick anything up including Addy, it was tough making sure her sugars were just right. But I can see, life has returned to normal but this time just a little better because thanks to so many people, hours and hours of prayers to God and His blessings and a special team of dedicated people a new lease on life has begun.
It is late evening as I sit here writing this blog to let everyone know what the homecoming day was like. Sue mentioned how strange it was not being in Minnesota, but how good it was to be home (Well, except for the HOT weather, lol). She is exhausted, and a good night’s sleep in her own bed for a change is greatly anticipated.
What’s next,
In the week ahead there are several doctors visits a trip to the lab for more blood work and we begin the other hard part, reviewing and handling the financial part of the journey. She still has that long part now of keeping her BS between 80 and 120 to give those transplanted Islet cells the best chance to survive. But, so far she is knocking in home runs each day towards that goal. Keep the prayers coming. Thank you all.
Entries to the blog from now on will be sporadic and probably on a weekly basis unless there is an issue. We will continue and report on the progress and the hurdles ahead.
Pics for the day
Sue and Addy (her granddaughter) Home!
Sue and Joe, Home!
From Mounds View Minnesota, Susan’s white squirrel, Lucky. Lucky brought Sue good luck and good cheer every time she saw it.
